Tell us about your bar:

It’s a bar, it’s a café, it’s a place where people get just a little bit frisky.

With live music most nights of the week, this buzzy, queerish little joint on Enmore Road makes up for what it lacks in size in outsized ambience. Max capacity is in the high 50s so expect lawn party vibes on the weekends.

What’s on the menu?

As food goes, currently Secret Garden serves the gluten-free Columbian cornmeal snack widely known as arepas. And, quite frankly, they serve it good. These soft and plump little pockets come with your choice of filling. The spicy pulled beef with tomato salsa or the pulled pork are by far the best ($8), but if you’re not into meat, you can opt for either a three cheese ($5) or black bean and feta ($6). Both, any vegos out there will be happy to hear, are very tasty.

Care for a drink?

The cocktail menu is long and delightful, but our recommendation is the Apricot Bour-Jam Sour! The sweetness of the apricot, sours of the lemon and boldness of the bourbon make this a great cocktail to unwind with.

[Pictured: Apricot Bour-Jam Sour]

Sounds?

There’s DJ sets and live music most evenings. Wednesday nightR&B/soul/pop/groove jam, Friday and Saturday displays DJ sets by loads of local legends including Shag (FBi), Luen, Arianne, Marcus Whale, the Casting Out crew, Cunningpants and more. Sunday showcases a multitude of local musicians ranging from solo folk artists to 12-piece jazz bands!

Highlights:

When it comes to small bars, there are a number of key qualities that, when done right, almost guarantee a good time. First and foremost there’s the booze and people serving it, and of course you can’t go past venue, including location, ambience and layout. Secret Garden Bar in Enmore has managed to nail each one firmly on the head, and with it once again reinforced that if you’re a fan of fun, the Inner West needs to be your playground.

Walking into this intimate venue, expect lush, green sanctuary with overflowing hanging baskets above, field-ploughing paraphernalia to the side and outside-furniture-style chez lounges. There is a genuinely welcoming vibe, a great selection of delicious drinks and a unique food menu to explore.

[Pictured: Secret Garden’s banana-infused rum]

Address: 134a Enmore Rd, Enmore

Phone: 0409 284 928

Website: secretgardenbar.com.au

Opening Hours: Mon – Tue 7am-5pm, Wed – Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 7am-11pm

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